Question

Explain how the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cuban missile crisis, and the Berlin crisis each placed the United States in conflict with the Soviet Union.

Answer 1

Explanation:

• Bay of Pigs: Cuba's alliance with the Soviets concerned many Americans. Fearing the Soviets would use Cuba as a base to spread a revolution, President Eisenhower authorized the CIA to train and arm a group known as "La Brigada". Kennedy became president and gave the Brigada the orders to attack. The attack went horribly. The Bay of Pigs made the US look weak and disorganized.

• Cuban Missile Crisis: Spy planes showed evidence that the Soviets placed long-range missiles in Cuba. A naval blockade was set up around Cuba immediately. The US and Soviets agreed to a treaty that banned testing nuclear weapons in the atmosphere. The missile crisis caused the Soviets to build up their arms which became equal to the Americas in the 1980s.

• Berlin Wall: Soviet leader Khrushchev wanted to stop the flood of Germans pouring out of Communist East Germany into West Berlin. Kennedy stated his loyalty to West Berlin which caused the Berlin Wall to be built.